I was travelling in Sweden a few weeks ago. Alongside all the travel preparation, I decided to make a bag only a few days before leaving. I am a fairly light traveller and I always take a specific set of things in my hand bag in preparation for a long flight. I wanted the bag to be just large enough to fit those items. I knew I didn’t need a very complicated bag with lots of pockets. I am not very advanced at sewing and I had to make this bag very quickly if I were to take it with me. With all that in mind, I started looking for a simple bag pattern.

I was very excited to finish this block from my camera quilt pattern and I really wanted to use it for the bag. I looked at a few bag patterns, but none of them were designed in a way that would enable me to use the camera block. Most of the patterns were also too complicated for me to finish in the given time. In the end, it was easier for me to write down the measurements and design my own bag rather than editing and retrofitting my needs onto an existing pattern.

When I got around to the zipper, it was actually a lot easier to sew than I had expected. I was going to use the outer blue fabric around the zipper, but not having any more of it, I ended up using the lining fabric instead.

When I attached the strap holders and rings to the bag, I stitched over them a few times for extra support. I use cotton webbing for the loops as well as for the straps as they are much sturdier than cloth. I used a set of silver strap hardware this time instead of my usual black.

Earlier, when I made the bag for Dixie, I liked this blue fabric so much, I bought a little extra. Since this bag would see rough use, I needed a dark shade of fabric. The blue fabric was just right for that.

The bag has a large back pocket and two inside pockets, which is just right for me. The bag proved not only extremely useful during the many long flights from San Francisco to Kiruna, it was wonderful for day trips in Sweden as well. It even holds two big water bottles along with all the other necessities.

Abisko, Sweden

As for Sweden, it is a very beautiful country. We hired a car there and travelled extensively every day. Before we knew, it was time to head back home again, wishing for one more day there. If Lara and Mary are reading this post, I promise I haven’t forgotten about writing a full post about our trip to Sweden. I am still sorting through photos, I took an overwhelming number of them!

Not very advanced…um cough, I certainly don’t agree! The bag is stunning Soma! I love it! I have one (that I didn’t make) that is my on-the-plane large purse, so I know what you mean about certain things going in it. I’m so glad Lara encouraged you to write another post; I want one too! I’ve read quite a few books by Swedish authors and I’d love to go one day. In the summer lol.

Lisa

You did a wonderful job designing your bag Soma! Sounds like you had a wonderful time on your trip and I can’t wait to hear more about it! :) Thanks for linking up to MCM – I hope you are having a great sewing week.

If you can make up a bag pattern you must be better at sewing than you give yourself credit for; this looks jolly satisfactory to me (and I couldn’t even begin to make one up). I love the camera too and it seems like the perfect thing for a travelling back. I’ll look forward to seeing your pictures of Sweden.

I love the camera block for your tourist travel bag! Great idea. I think you’re quite good at sewing if you can make that block and fashion a bag in a couple of days that looks so cool and is functional too. I will be looking forward to seeing photos of your trip to Sweden!
Wendy

June

What a cute block – and wonderful that you figured out a way to make it into a bag for your fun trip! I’m clicking to follow you so I can hear more about that trip. I’m hoping next summer to also do a Sweden driving tour with my Swedish friend who came this summer for my Boston to San Diego drive – great fun.

Fabulous bag, Soma and your own design; ’tis a wee bit clever you are!! I love your pieced camera front. I bet there were a lot of oohs and aaahs as you travelled around beautiful Sweden with this gorgeous bag slung over your shoulder. Can’t wait to see your travel photos…that will be a treat.

This is a fantastic bag Soma! I’m a real fan of making up your own bag patterns to fir your needs. I bet you had a lot of compliments over it! The camera design is so wonderful! When I make one I will probably use your version with an appliqued lens, but I do love the way the totally paper pieced version makes the lens look like and aperture closing.
Oh yes indeed my friend, I am very much looking forward to hearing about and seeing some of the wonderful things from your trip to Sweden!

susie

Loving your travel bag/purse, Soma! Your camera block is a perfect front.
Isn’t it great when you have “just the right” bag for traveling!!
Count me in for wanting to see Sweden though your eyes and your camera!!
Susie